Georgian Tklapi: Traditional Fruit Leather Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) mixed seasonal fruits (such as plums, apples, pears, or berries) 2 pounds (900g) mixed seasonal fruits (such as plums, apples, pears, or berries)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 25g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash and pit the fruits, then cut them into small pieces.
2. 2.
   In a blender or food processor, puree the fruits until smooth.
3. 3.
   Pour the fruit puree into a large saucepan and add honey and cinnamon.
4. 4.
   Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces by about half.
5. 5.
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the fruit mixture onto it, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Place the baking sheet in a sunny spot or use a food dehydrator to dry the fruit mixture for 2-3 days, or until it becomes firm and pliable.
7. 7.
   Once dried, cut the Tklapi into strips or roll it up for a more traditional presentation.
8. 8.
   Store the Tklapi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fruits — Choose ripe and flavorful fruits for the best taste. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruits based on your preference and seasonal availability.

Tips & Tricks

• To speed up the drying process, you can use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on the natural sweetness of the fruits.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg to add unique flavors to your Tklapi.
• For a smoother texture, strain the fruit puree before cooking it.

Serving advice

Serve Tklapi as a standalone snack or dessert. It pairs well with a cup of Georgian black tea or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tklapi strips on a wooden platter or roll them up and tie them with a colorful ribbon for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle some powdered sugar or edible flower petals for an extra touch of elegance.